philosophy of mind

"Before the discovery of quarks, we hadn't imagined anything smaller than protons and neutrons. Are quarks the end of the line, the smallest imaginable objects in nature? Can the universe be divided into infinitely smaller units in the same way the universe is ever-expanding? Alan Lightman explores these questions in his characteristic accessible and lyrical prose, considering the igniting element behind consciousness, the origin of life, the anatomy of a smile, our fickle memories. Probable Impossibilities brings together recently published and four original essays. Throughout, Lightman guides a discussion on what we know of the universe, life, the mind, and the conception of things vastly larger than ourselves in time and space"--Provided by the publisher.

Examines what science has revealed about the nature and function of sleep and dreams in an attempt to answer the questions of whether or not dreams have any function or meaning, and how they are to be interpreted.

A bracing collection of masterfully written reviews that together form and accessible picture of philosophy as it is practiced today, Minds & Bodies makes permanent the critical reflections of a gifted philosopher and writer and is destined to find an appreciative audience both within the pilosophical community and in the wider culture of intellectually curiuos readers.

An introduction to the philosophy of the mind that examines key concepts and theories in the field, profiles influential thinkers, and examines the contemporary arguments for dualism.

Discusses research on neuroplasticity, discussing neurogenisis, the effects of sensory experiences on the adult brain, mental activity and changes in the brain, learning to be compassionate, healing from depression, and other related topics.

Looks at the capabilities inherent in humans to reason and to understand language and delves into the attempts of scientists to duplicate such thought patterns in computer programs and explains why these attempts always fail.

Chronicles the journey man has taken towards creating a machine with a mind including the pioneering experiments of the 1940s; the current projects in development; and the social, economic, and political implications of success.

Examines metaphysics, the study of reality, the philosophy of religion, and the philosophy of the mind and outlines the different ways philosophers have attempted to answer the many questions that are posed in the study of metaphysics.